Peter Cottontail May Bring Lots of Goodies For Your Family,
But There Are Some Hidden Dangers For Your 4-Legged Family Members!
Chocolate
This is an obvious concern during Easter. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Both of these chemicals can be toxic or even fatal for pets. This is because dogs and cats cannot break down and excrete theobromine as efficiently as we can.
Unsweetened (baker's) chocolate contains 8-10 times the amount of theobromine as milk chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate falls roughly in between the two for theobromine content; so, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to your pet. White chocolate contains theobromine, but in such small amounts that theobromine poisoning is unlikely. Caffeine is present in chocolate, but less than theobromine, so although a concern, it is less likely to be ingested to a toxic level.
If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate (more than the stray chocolate chip that fell on the floor), call your veterinarian for advice. The toxicity of Theobromine is dose dependent. This means that the size of your pet, the type of chocolate, and quantity of chocolate ingested determine if or how toxic it is for your pet.
Signs of chocolate toxicity are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less) of ingestion and may include:
Sugar-free Candy
Xylitol is a sweetener substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some packaged baked goods. This chemical is highly toxic to pets, causing hypoglycemia, liver failure and eventually death if prompt, appropriate medical treatment is not sought.
Easter Grass
This seemingly benign decoration can actually be a deadly hazard to pets. Easter grass is particularly attractive to cats, who once they begin to lick or chew at the grass are unable to expel it from their mouth and are forced to swallow it. Pets who ingest Easter grass are at high risk for gastrointestinal blockage, specifically, a linear foreign body, which can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.
Easter Lilies
Cats are the only species known to be affected by lily toxicity. All parts of the lily plant (all lilies, not just Easter lilies) are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can be life threatening. Within hours of ingestion, a cat may vomit, become lethargic or develop a lack of appetite. These signs continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. Without appropriate and immediate medical treatment, the cat may develop irreversible kidney failure in 36 to 72 hours. Failing to seek medical attention in a timely manner often results in death of the pet.
Travel
This is an obvious concern during Easter. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Both of these chemicals can be toxic or even fatal for pets. This is because dogs and cats cannot break down and excrete theobromine as efficiently as we can.
Unsweetened (baker's) chocolate contains 8-10 times the amount of theobromine as milk chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate falls roughly in between the two for theobromine content; so, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to your pet. White chocolate contains theobromine, but in such small amounts that theobromine poisoning is unlikely. Caffeine is present in chocolate, but less than theobromine, so although a concern, it is less likely to be ingested to a toxic level.
If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate (more than the stray chocolate chip that fell on the floor), call your veterinarian for advice. The toxicity of Theobromine is dose dependent. This means that the size of your pet, the type of chocolate, and quantity of chocolate ingested determine if or how toxic it is for your pet.
Signs of chocolate toxicity are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less) of ingestion and may include:
- Excitement or nervousness
- Trembling
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and sometimes excessive urination
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Sugar-free Candy
Xylitol is a sweetener substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some packaged baked goods. This chemical is highly toxic to pets, causing hypoglycemia, liver failure and eventually death if prompt, appropriate medical treatment is not sought.
Easter Grass
This seemingly benign decoration can actually be a deadly hazard to pets. Easter grass is particularly attractive to cats, who once they begin to lick or chew at the grass are unable to expel it from their mouth and are forced to swallow it. Pets who ingest Easter grass are at high risk for gastrointestinal blockage, specifically, a linear foreign body, which can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.
Easter Lilies
Cats are the only species known to be affected by lily toxicity. All parts of the lily plant (all lilies, not just Easter lilies) are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can be life threatening. Within hours of ingestion, a cat may vomit, become lethargic or develop a lack of appetite. These signs continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. Without appropriate and immediate medical treatment, the cat may develop irreversible kidney failure in 36 to 72 hours. Failing to seek medical attention in a timely manner often results in death of the pet.
Travel
- If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity or family members who may be allergic to your pet, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter).
- Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to your pet. Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats. It could ruin everyone's holiday.
- You should always take a copy of your pet's medical records with you when you travel, in case they require emergency treatment while you're away from home.
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